Volbeat - 11.29.10

1. How did you get your band name?
It was basically the name of an album Michael (singer) did with his previous death metal band, Dominus. The album was called Vol.Beat (Volume and beat) and ended up being Volbeat.

2. How did this band get started?
Michael called it quits with his old band cause he grew tired of the limitations in the genre. He couldn’t get rid of all the old 50s melodies running in his mind due to his parents love of that era. He wanted to mix these melodies with the metal sound and riffs. So he called up an old friend, Jon (drummer) and they jammed some of Michael's ideas. It came out pretty cool and they called up Anders (bass) who used to play in Dominus. Finally added a guitar player which has been substituted a few times since.

3. What bands are you influenced by?
Music in general. 50s rock n roll, country, punkrock, metal, rock etc.
To be a little more specific, bands like Metallica, Black Sabbath, Dio, Entombed, Social Distortion, Misfits, Manic Street Preachers, etc.
To be even more specific, Elvis and Johnny Cash.
4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would it be and why?
We already toured with Metallica and just had Entombed as support around Europe and we’ve supported Ac/dc…so its pretty hard. I guess we basically would love to tour with bands that we like musically and on a personal level.
5. If you were a furry, what animal would you be? Why that animal?
I have no idea.
6. Why should people listen to your band?
To check the band out. People might like what they hear ;)

7. If you were chosen to be in Guitar Hero/Rock Band, what song would you want in the game? How hard do you think it would be to five-star on expert?
I don’t play it, so I have no idea.
8. If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?
The fans!!! Without them a band are nothing.

9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
Less talk, more rock…please.

10. Memorable tour experience?
Being out eating with Metallica after their show on my birthday last year – that was pretty memorable.

11. What is your favorite song to play?
Depends on the crowd and the show in general.

12. What is your vacation spot of choice?
Somewhere cold with a lot of snow and some hills.
13. What music reminds you of your childhood?
Danish stuff that you guys probably don’t know.

14. If you could have any super power, what would it be? Why?
I would love to be able to fly. Would be awesome to skip all the waiting time in airports.

15. Do you feel that your band has "made it"?
Sure. In the sense that we make a living from playing music and can pay our rent and get food on the table.
16. What is something that most fans don't know about you?
We speak pretty open about everything, so I can't really come up with anything.

17. What's your favorite holiday?
Skiing – no normally some time in winter.

18. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spend time with my family and friends. Read some books and watch some movies. Do some sports – not too much though.
19. What kind of hidden talents do you have?
I don’t hide em.